Why You Need a Mood Board Before You Start Decorating and Exactly How to Create One

Let me guess… you’ve got a million screenshots saved on your phone. A Pinterest board full of dreamy interiors. Maybe even a random fabric sample shoved in a drawer somewhere.

You think you know the vibe you want for your home but when it comes to pulling it all together, something just doesn’t feel cohesive.

I get it. That’s where a mood board comes in.

At Lynne Kelly Interiors, we never start a design project without one. And honestly? I wouldn’t recommend you do either, because a mood board isn’t just a pretty collage, it’s a necessity to keep your home from feeling mismatched or, worse… completely random.

So if you’re about to start decorating, refresh a room, or just want your space to finally feel like it all belongs together — let me tell you why you need a mood board, and exactly how to create one like an interior designer.

What is a Mood Board and Why Should You Make One Before You Start Decorating?

Think of a mood board as your visual plan for a room. It’s where you gather all your ideas in one place:

• Colours you love

• Fabrics and textures you want to include

• Furniture styles that catch your eye

• Wallpaper samples, flooring ideas, lighting — all of it.
  

It helps you see everything together before you start buying, so you can figure out what works and what definitely doesn’t.

We’ve even created ready-made inspiration for you on our Inspiration page, where you can see our mood boards for different decor styles which are based around our cushions.

Why Mood Boards Are a Non-Negotiable

I know, I know, it’s tempting to skip this bit and just “see how it goes”. But trust me, this is the step that stops you from buying another cushion that doesn’t match anything else you own.

Here’s why interior designers always start with a mood board:

1. It Defines Your Style

If you’re in two minds between minimal Scandi and bold maximalist, your mood board will make it crystal clear which direction you’re naturally drawn to.

2. It Keeps You Focused

When you’re shopping, it’s easy to get distracted by “that gorgeous lamp” or “those trendy cushions”. But if it doesn’t fit your board? It’s a no, and that’s how you keep everything cohesive.

3. It Helps Avoid Expensive Mistakes

There’s nothing worse than committing to a wallpaper or sofa that looked great in isolation but clashes horribly with everything else. Mood boards save you from that regret.

4. It Makes Decision-Making Easier

Once you’ve laid it all out visually, decisions feel less overwhelming. You’ll know which colours, textures, and materials to repeat throughout the room.

How to Create Your Own Mood Board (The Easy Way)

Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Define How You Want the Room to Feel

Cosy and warm? Light and airy? Sophisticated and elegant? Start by writing down a few words that describe the vibe you’re going for.

Step 2: Pick a Colour Palette

Choose 2-3 base colours and 1-2 accent colours. Use paint charts, fabric samples, or even colours pulled from your favourite artwork.

Step 3: Add Textures

Texture is what brings a space to life. Think:

• Velvet for luxury

• Linen for lightness

• Bouclé for softness

• Wood, metal, rattan — they all bring depth

If you want to see how these materials work together, come and visit our Melbourne, Derbyshire showroom — we’ve got samples, fabrics, wallpapers, and accessories you can mix and match in person.

Step 4: Curate Furniture & Accessories

Pull in images of furniture you love, lighting ideas, and accessories like cushions, throws, rugs — all the layers that complete a room.

Our handmade cushions, for example, are designed with thoughtful patterns and textures to bring any mood board to life.

Step 5: Edit & Refine

Lay it all out — whether that’s physically pinning samples on a board or using an app like Canva or Pinterest. Step back and ask yourself: Does everything flow? Do the colours sit well together? Is there enough texture?

Refine until it feels like you.

Bonus Tip — Start with a Statement Piece

If you’re feeling stuck, start with one piece you absolutely love. Whether that’s a statement wallpaper, a patterned cushion, or a bold rug. Build your mood board around that.

Or... Let Us Inspire You

If you need inspiration to get started, we’ve already done the hard work for you. Our Inspiration page is full of mood boards we’ve designed to spark ideas and are complete with links to our soft furnishings.

We can even help you create a bespoke mood board, if you contact us via email or just ask when you visit our Melbourne showroom.

Designing a home you love isn’t about randomly picking things you like — it’s about curating a space that flows. And that all starts with a mood board.

So next time you’re tempted to skip this step, just remember — a mood board could be the difference between a room that feels ‘fine’… and one that feels finished.

Ready to get inspired? Browse our Inspiration Mood Boards or come and see us in the showroom. We’ll help you bring your vision to life. Love Lynne Kelly Interiors x